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Inmate used fake bomb to demand release

CEDAR CITY, Utah (AP) — An inmate who authorities say tried to escape from a correctional facility by fashioning a fake bomb has pleaded not guilty to several charges.

Steven Douglas Crutcher, of Mississippi, is charged with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated escape, terroristic threat and three counts of aggravated assault by a prisoner. He entered the plea in 5th District Court on Monday.

The Iron County sheriff’s office says the 28-year-old threatened officers at the Iron County Correctional Facility with what he claimed was a bomb on June 29.

Authorities say deputies tackled Crutcher, who allegedly threatened to blow up himself and anything around him if he wasn’t released.

A bomb squad found the device was made from toilet paper rolls, headphone wires and a pencil eraser.